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Schizophrenia is a serious psychiatric illness that causes strange thinking, strange feelings, and unusual behavior. It is uncommon in children and hard to recognize in its early phases. The cause of schizophrenia is not known. Current research suggests a combination of brain changes, biochemical causes, and genetic and environmental factors. Early diagnosis and medical treatment are important. Schizophrenia is a life-long disease that can be controlled but not cured.

The symptoms and behavior of children and adolescents with schizophrenia may be different from that of adults with this illness. The following symptoms and behaviors can occur in children or adolescents with schizophrenia:

seeing things and hearing voices which are not real (hallucinations)

odd and eccentric behavior and/or speech

unusual or bizarre thoughts and ideas

confusing television and dreams from reality

confused thinking

extreme moodiness

ideas that people are out to get them or talking about them (paranoia)

severe anxiety and fearfulness

difficulty relating to peers, and keeping friends

withdrawn and increased isolation

worsening personal grooming

The behavior of children with schizophrenia may change slowly over time. For example, children who used to enjoy relationships with others may start to become more shy or withdrawn and seem to be in their own world. Sometimes youngsters will begin talking about strange fears and ideas. They may start to say things that do not make sense. These early symptoms and problems may first be noticed by the child's school teachers.

Children with these symptoms must have a complete evaluation. Parents should ask their family physician or pediatrician to refer them to a child and adolescent psychiatrist, who is specifically trained and skilled at evaluating, diagnosing, and treating children with schizophrenia. Treating children with schizophrenia can involve a combination of medication, individual therapy, family therapy, and specialized programs (school, activities, etc.) is often necessary. Psychiatric medication can be helpful for many of the symptoms of the illness. These medications require careful monitoring by a psychiatrist (preferably a child and adolescent psychiatrist).

You may also mail in your contribution. Please make checks payable to the AACAP and send to Campaign for America’s Kids, P.O. Box 96106, Washington, DC 20090.

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) represents over 8,700 child and adolescent psychiatrists who are physicians with at least five years of additional training beyond medical school in general (adult) and child and adolescent psychiatry.